Different sort of adoption — ‘Adopt a Senior’ groups honor area 2020 graduates

By Samantha IckesStaff writer

Thursday

Apr 30, 2020 at 12:01 AMApr 30, 2020 at 10:46 AM

Hillsdale High School senior Hattie Stamen was looking forward to her final softball season. This year, she hoped her team would advance to state for a chance to win the championship.

Her heart sank when she learned she wouldn’t get the chance to put on her uniform and run out onto the field with her fellow Falcons one last time.

“The thing that hurts the worst is not being able to play softball,” the 18-year-old said. “I never thought that last year my last game would actually be my last game.”

Many seniors, like Stamen, will miss out on spring sports and senior nights, prom, graduation and celebratory parties.

Community members are looking for a way to honor these seniors and recognize their accomplishments through the Adopt a Senior movement. Local chapters of “Adopt a Senior” have been popping up across the country. Group members who "adopt" a local senior can send them cards and gifts to congratulate them and send a little encouragement their way.

Local chapters

Ashland and Richland counties have a localized Facebook group, called “Adopt 2020 Richland/Ashland county seniors.” The group has more than 2,500 members and was created April 21.

Many of Stamen’s fellow seniors have posted on the page and been adopted, she said.

“I feel like they’re trying to make us feel better because our senior year went downhill really fast,” Stamen said. “We won’t actually know what it’s like to graduate high school.”

Robyn Montgomery, one of three listed page administrators, said the group serves as a way for community members to show area seniors support and encouragement during COVID-19. Jill Lindsay and Brooke Larson are also listed as administrators.

Montgomery’s daughter graduated from Lexington High School with honors last year, she said. Montgomery sympathizes with the students and knows how difficult it would be if her daughter had not been able to take part in her graduation ceremony.

“Even though I don’t have a senior myself, I care so much about kids and just want to see them recognized,” Montgomery said, adding she has adopted two seniors.

Lakeville resident Laurie Vales created the "Adopt a senior 2020 Holmes County and surrounding area" Facebook group April 20.

Vales' son, John, will be graduating from West Holmes High School this year. The mother couldn't help but think of all the events her son would miss out during the coronavirus.

While scrolling through her Facebook feed, Vales found a Knox County adopt a senior group. She and her family previously lived near Mount Vernon.

After finding out more about the group, she decided to make a local page for area seniors.

Seniors from school districts in other counties also have joined including Wayne, Stark and Tuscarawas counties, Vales said.

"I just thought how awesome it would be to be able to share something with the seniors," Vales said. "... I think it's been well received by everyone."

Brighten someone’s day

The exchange with the senior doesn't have to have monetary value, Vales said. It could be as simple as a letter offering some encouragement during an uncertain time or it could be care package.

Seniors or parents posting adoption notices have included background about the graduating student including their upcoming plans, the school activities they were involved in and what some of their likes and hobbies are. More than one person can adopt a senior and many members have adopted multiple seniors, Vales said.

Vales has adopted a few seniors herself and is working on a project to send to the students.

"With all this going on ... this was just something to brighten someone's day or make them feel better," she said. “It’s just heartwarming to see all the people that are being a part of it. That just speaks volumes of our community.”

Senior Shawn Gerber will be graduating from Triway High School and Wayne County Schools Career Center this year. He studied diesel mechanics and has a full-time job working with Orrville Trucking & Grading Co.

The 19-year-old is disappointed he will be missing out on end-of-the-year events with his friends. Many of them, Gerber said, are leaving the area either for college or to join the military. Because of the pandemic, he added, it may be a long time until they are reunited again.

He’s looking forward to getting back out to bowling alleys and spending time with friends and family, Gerber said.

His mother told him about the group, he said, and posted his photo and a short bio on the page.

More than one person has adopted him, Gerber said. One of his adopters sent him some of his favorite candies, he said, which brought a smile to his face.

"I feel like I'm missing out,” Gerber said. “You work really hard to get this far and then don't get to do the normal things. ... It really sucks, but from my perspective it’s better safe than sorry."

— Reach Samantha at 330-287-1626 or Samantha.Ickes@the-daily-record.com. Follow her on Twitter @SamanthaKIckes

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